Yesterday, however, co-owner Sebastian Stawarz was told by enforcement officers in the area that the sign had to be taken down as it is “causing significant harm to the character of the Conservation Area.”

Mr Stawarz, who runs the Spanish venue said the sign had cost him around £5,000 including the lightening and work to erect it and has threatened to abandon the venue if he is not allowed to keep it up.

Read More

“I told the lady at the Council that maybe in a week I will take the sign off and get the building somewhere else, he said.

“Maybe I’ll move to Exeter, or Taunton and open exactly the same but somewhere else and leave Tiverton. It will leave this building as an empty pub.

“If we can’t keep the sign, it’s not going to be the same here, so I’m not so sure I’m happy to stay here. It’s very sad.”

He added: “We are trying to do something for this town and do something nice and different here, somewhere where you can go with your partner and have a nice glass of wine, nice tapas, a meal and spend a nice time with a friend, but now I don’t know what we will do."

The news, and Mr Stawarz words have drawn a big reaction on Twitter and Facebook, especially from people in the area, who are split as to who's side they are on.

Dawn Kings said: "He paid over £5000 for that sign which is the most horrendous shop front in the whole of Tiverton... he was clearly Robbed!"

She added: "It would be nice to have somewhere different to eat in Tiverton but I say if that’s his attitude take your eye sore of an ugly sign and go to Exeter or Taunton, having an empty pub would be better than having to see that every time you go to town."

Claire Tobe Kingdon posted: "Not usually one that's bothered by this stuff but it does look awful and tacky! Don't get me wrong it's nice to have a range of restaurants and shops but this could have been done so much better and within the guides of a conservation area."

Ena Newsome said: Love the idea of a Spanish restaurant but I'm sorry I was quite shocked when I saw the sign as I drove past yesterday.

"Hope they find a happy outcome to this issue and good luck for the future."

Charlotte Thom added on Facebook: "It looks very cheap and totally out of place.

"I’m all for it being replaced with something smaller and less in your face!"

Not everyone is against the signage, through, with many others siding with Mr Stawarz' sentiments.

"“It causes significant harm to the character of the Conservation Area"

"What about all the "To Let" signs scattered throughout the town, that's an eye sore," while Lucy Looby Lu said: "Awww...this hate makes me feel sad .. I personally was intrigued by the new colouring.. what’s the prob? (sic)"

Clare Buckley added: "Tivvy, to a tee you complain like hell that there is nothing innovative or different and then don't give a chance to people working their socks off to try something new.

"These guys are a breath of fresh air but completely wasted on Tiverton."

Ann Williams said: "With all the real problems in this country and people are moaning about a sign!!"

In a letter, Mrs Joanna Williams, enforcement officer for Mid Devon District Council wrote: “It has recently been brought to my attention that new illuminated signage has been installed. I have no record that permission has been granted for the signage under the regulations (Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007) and as such the signage is unauthorised.

“It is my opinion that permission would not be granted for the signage as it has been installed because it causes significant harm to the character of the Conservation Area, specifically the clock tower. IN particular, the scale, colourful nature of the signage and the illumination are of greatest concern in this regard. It is also noted the existing doors and windows have been concealed.

“The display of unauthorised advertisements is a prosecutable offence, and as such, I would ask that the unauthorised signs and lighting are removed forthwith, in any event, within the next 14 days. If the signs are no removed, then the Council will have to consider taking formal enforcement action seeking their removal. As such, I look forward to receiving your confirmation the signs have been removed within the next 14 days (by Tuesday, May 15).”